SwimRise Aquatics Coaches, team and community volunteers will host its second annual fundraising event to benefit the We Rise Foundation initiatives and spread awareness in the community. ‘The We Rise Foundation – Aquathon For All‘ will be a competitive event that is inclusive and adapted, providing buddies and/or accommodations as needed. The race will include swimming and running and is open to all ages and abilities. The Aquathon For All will provide a unique opportunity in the community for participants with differences and athletes of all abilities to compete together.
The Aquathon for all is a swim and run event that will start at the UNF competition pool, with swimming entering the water as a staggered start and snaking from one lane to the next to complete the necessary distances. Swimmers will then exit the pool and move towards the transition area right outside the pool gate, where your transition gear will be set up. After the transition, you will run through campus guided by signage and volunteers. The race will finish at/near the UNF track. You can participate as an individual completing both swim and run portions of the race or as a relay team, with each person completing either the swim or run.
Event Details:
When: Sunday, April 19, 2026.
Where: University of North Florida – Competition Pool
1 UNF Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32224
Race Options:
| Registration Type | Price | Tickets Included | Race Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual Rise Up Series | $50 | 1 Ticket | 200m Swim + 1 Mile Run |
| Individual Sprint Series | $50 | 1 Ticket | 450m Swim + 2 Mile Run |
| Relay Rise Up Series | $75 | 2 Tickets | 200m Swim + 1 Mile Run (1 Swimmer + 1 Runner) |
| Relay Sprint Series | $75 | 2 Tickets | 450m Swim + 2 Mile Run (1 Swimmer + 1 Runner) |
Parking Information: Click Here
For any additional questions, contact us at: info@werise-foundation.org
*Can be completed as an Individual or as a Relay with a partner.
SwimRise Aquatics offers inclusive ability-placed programs through USA Swimming competitive teams, US Masters and Summer league rec teams that are open to neurodiverse athletes and athletes with disabilities. We seek to provide people with disabilities the opportunity to compete in existing competitions and programs while providing necessary accommodations to facilitate inclusion that are in line with USA swimming DEI and time standards for swimmers with disabilities.
SwimRise Academy offers 1:1 individualized adaptive swim lessons designed for all abilities, starting with a free consultation to review any needs your child may have or identify specific goals for their lessons. All Swim instructors are in the process of training with Swim Angelfish the global leader in adaptive swim instruction. Additionally, staff will be mentored by our experienced Paralympic Coach & Academy Mentor, Silvia Schich. Our staff is dedicated to learning the methodology and training to assist swimmers of all abilities through ongoing education and certifications.
SwimRise Aquatics will host several disability specific swim events throughout the year to benefit the Foundation. An annual event The We Rise Foundation – Buddy Aquathlon will be an inclusive and adapted event to not only fundraise for the foundation programs but also spread awareness.
Our goal is to host Paralympic Clinic’s as well as host and sponsor disability specific events for organizations including the Special Olympics, USA Deaf Swimming, USA Down Syndrome Swimming, US Dwarf Athletic Association of America and US Paralympics Swimming.
Through We Rise Foundation’s support, SwimRise Aquatics is gearing up to develop a Paralympics Team with the guidance of seasoned Paralympics Coach, Silvia Schich.
Congratulations to Nicco Torres and Fernando Ehlers for their success at the Virtus World Championship!
By utilizing our platform and Junior’s real-life experience, we hope to be able to provide more opportunity and mentorship for young athletes through scholarship opportunities for underserved communities.
Interested in supporting our financial aid fund? Click here to donate and designate your contribution to this program. We appreciate any support as we work to launch this future program!
Sponsor a Swimmer – $600 (unlimited)
* Donations to sponsor a swimmer help support Foundation funding needs to support future programming such as offering financial assistance for swim lessons, purchasing adaptive swim equipment, and inclusive swim events. $600 covers the cost of swim lessons for 1 swimmer for 8-10 weeks.
To reach our program manager please email:
We Rise Foundation is dedicated to ongoing development and training opportunities for coaches and staff. Our desire for the future of swimming is greatly impacted by what we implement now in our community in support of inclusive sport. Through our experience, we hope to develop and implement new certified training programs for adaptive swimming. This initiative will allow us to help educate our ambassadors and provided a training playbook for organizations across the country to improve special ability accommodations, diversity and inclusivity.
The BIG DREAM! One day, we hope to have our own pool, one that meets the needs of ALL our swimmers and provides the space and facilities needed to expand our impact in the community. Follow along with our story as we work toward this long-term goal of the We Rise Foundation.
We would love to hear from you! Please submit the form and a member of our team will reach out to you!
Get connected to our inclusive swim programs at our SwimRise family partners.